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das Interview

A2 noun #1,500 most common 9 min read

das Interview

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips das Interview in 30 Seconds

Explanation das Interview in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'das Interview' is introduced as a basic noun. Learners should recognize it as a word for a conversation where someone asks questions. The focus is on simple sentences like 'Ich habe ein Interview' or 'Das Interview ist gut'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex collocations, just the gender (das) and the basic meaning. You might see it in simple reading texts about famous people or in basic listening exercises where someone is being introduced. It's one of those 'international' words that makes German feel more accessible to English speakers. You should practice saying the word with the correct German accent, emphasizing the 'v' and the 'iew' sound correctly. Simple phrases like 'Ein Interview mit...' are very useful. You might also learn the plural 'Interviews' early on because it follows a simple pattern. Overall, at A1, it's about recognition and basic usage in personal or celebrity contexts.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'das Interview' in more structured contexts. You learn that you 'conduct' an interview (ein Interview führen) and that there are different types, like a 'Radiointerview'. You can describe an interview using basic adjectives: 'Das Interview war sehr interessant' or 'Das Interview war lang'. You also start to use prepositions: 'Ich höre ein Interview im Radio'. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between a general conversation and a formal interview. You might also encounter the verb 'interviewen' (to interview). Exercises at A2 will often ask you to fill in the correct article or verb. You should also be aware of the difference between 'Interview' and 'Vorstellungsgespräch', although you might still use them interchangeably by mistake. The goal at A2 is to integrate the word into your daily vocabulary and use it in simple past or present perfect sentences, such as 'Ich habe ein Interview gesehen'.

At the B1 level, your understanding of 'das Interview' becomes more nuanced. You learn to use it in professional and academic contexts. You might discuss the results of an interview in a presentation or write a short report about one. You use more complex verbs like 'vereinbaren' (to arrange) or 'aufzeichnen' (to record). You also start to use the genitive case: 'Während des Interviews...'. At B1, you are expected to know that 'Vorstellungsgespräch' is the correct term for a job interview, and you use 'Interview' primarily for media or research. You can also form compound nouns more confidently, like 'Interviewfragen' or 'Interviewpartner'. You might read longer articles that are based on interviews and be able to summarize the main points. Your speaking should include phrases like 'In dem Interview, das ich gestern gelesen habe...', showing your ability to use relative clauses. This level is about moving from simple identification to functional use in varied contexts.

At the B2 level, 'das Interview' is used in sophisticated discussions about media ethics, journalistic standards, and research methodology. You can talk about 'exklusive Interviews', 'tiefgründige Interviews', or 'kritische Interviews'. You understand the subtle differences between 'ein Interview führen' and 'jemanden befragen'. You can use the word in complex sentence structures, including passive voice: 'Das Interview wurde gestern aufgezeichnet'. You also become familiar with the idiomatic use of the word in different fields. For example, in sociology, you might discuss 'leitfadengestützte Interviews'. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'Interviewer' and 'Interviewte'. At B2, you should be able to follow a fast-paced radio interview and understand the nuances of the questions and answers. You can also write a critique of an interview, discussing its tone and effectiveness. The focus here is on precision and stylistic variety.

At the C1 level, you have a comprehensive grasp of 'das Interview' and its role in German discourse. You can analyze the rhetorical strategies used in political interviews and discuss the concept of 'Interviewführung' (the art of conducting an interview). You are aware of the legal and ethical implications of publishing an interview, such as 'Zitatrecht' or 'Persönlichkeitsrechte'. You use the word effortlessly in academic writing, distinguishing between different types of qualitative interviews like 'narrative Interviews' or 'episodische Interviews'. Your understanding of the word includes its cultural weight in Germany, where journalistic interviews are often seen as a critical tool for holding power to account. You can participate in or lead an interview yourself, using appropriate registers and subtle linguistic cues. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a concept you can manipulate and discuss in depth, exploring its variations and its impact on public opinion.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'das Interview' is near-native. You can appreciate the stylistic nuances of famous German interviewers and the historical significance of certain landmark interviews in German history. You can discuss the word's etymological journey and its place within the broader landscape of German communication. You are capable of conducting high-level academic research involving complex interview techniques and can write about these in a way that is indistinguishable from a native scholar. You understand the most subtle connotations of the word in different registers, from the high-brow 'Feuilleton' to the tabloid 'Regenbogenpresse'. You can play with the word in creative writing or use it metaphorically. At C2, 'das Interview' is a tool you use with total precision, aware of every possible nuance, collocation, and cultural reference. You can even critique the way the word itself is used in contemporary German society, reflecting on its evolution in the digital age.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

das Interview in 30 Seconds

Das Interview is a neuter noun meaning 'interview'.
It is primarily used in media, research, and formal contexts.
Common verbs include 'führen' (to conduct) and 'geben' (to give).
Do not confuse it with 'Vorstellungsgespräch' (job interview).

The German noun das Interview refers to a structured conversation where one person (the interviewer) asks questions and another (the interviewee) provides answers. While it is a loanword from English, it has been fully integrated into the German language, retaining its neuter gender and specific plural form. In a broad sense, it covers everything from a journalist questioning a politician to a researcher gathering data from a participant. However, it is important to distinguish it from a 'Vorstellungsgespräch', which is specifically a job interview. When Germans use the word 'Interview', they often imply a media context or a formal information-gathering session.

Etymology: Derived from the English word 'interview', which itself comes from the Middle French 'entrevoir' (to see each other briefly).

Der Journalist führt ein spannendes Interview mit dem Autor.

In the digital age, the scope of 'das Interview' has expanded. It now includes podcasts, YouTube 'Ask Me Anything' sessions, and live-streamed Q&As. Despite these modern formats, the core linguistic usage remains stable. You 'give' an interview (ein Interview geben) or you 'conduct' one (ein Interview führen). The word is indispensable in the world of media (Medienwelt), politics (Politik), and science (Wissenschaft). Understanding its nuances helps learners navigate formal German communication more effectively.

Grammar Note: As a neuter noun, it takes the article 'das' in the nominative and accusative cases, 'dem' in the dative, and 'des' in the genitive.

Das Interview wurde gestern im Fernsehen ausgestrahlt.

When discussing the content of an interview, one might refer to the 'Interviewfragen' (interview questions) or the 'Interviewpartner' (the person being interviewed). These compound nouns are very common in German. The word 'Interview' carries a certain weight; it suggests a prepared, formal exchange rather than a casual chat. If you are talking to a friend, you wouldn't call it an interview unless you were joking about being interrogated.

Sie hat das Interview abgebrochen, weil die Fragen zu persönlich waren.

Usage in Research: In qualitative research, 'das Interview' is a primary method for data collection, often categorized as 'leitfadengestützt' (guided) or 'narrativ' (narrative).

Für meine Masterarbeit habe ich zehn Interviews durchgeführt.

Können wir ein kurzes Interview vereinbaren?

Using das Interview correctly involves understanding its typical verbal pairings and prepositional use. The most common verb used with interview is 'führen' (to lead/conduct). You don't just 'make' an interview in German; you 'conduct' it. For example, 'Ein Interview führen' is the standard way to say you are the one asking the questions. If you are the one answering, you 'geben' (give) an interview. These collocations are vital for sounding natural. Furthermore, the word is often used with the preposition 'in'. You might say, 'In dem Interview sagte er...', meaning 'In the interview, he said...'.

Common Verbs: führen (conduct), geben (give), vereinbaren (arrange), aufzeichnen (record), veröffentlichen (publish).

Wir müssen das Interview noch einmal führen, da die Tonqualität schlecht war.

When describing the type of interview, adjectives come into play. A 'exklusives Interview' is a scoop, while a 'tiefgründiges Interview' suggests a deep, meaningful conversation. In professional settings, you might hear about a 'strukturiertes Interview', which follows a strict set of questions. If you are preparing for one, you are 'in der Vorbereitung auf das Interview'. Pay attention to the cases: 'Ich bereite mich auf das Interview (accusative) vor'.

Prepositions: über (about), während (during), nach (after), vor (before).

Während des Interviews blieb der Minister sehr gelassen.

Another aspect of usage is the context of the interview. Is it for a newspaper (Zeitungsinterview), television (Fernsehinterview), or radio (Radiointerview)? German loves compound nouns, and 'Interview' is a very productive base for them. If you are the person conducting it, you are the 'Interviewer' (masculine) or 'Interviewerin' (feminine). The person being interviewed is the 'Interviewte'. These roles are clearly defined in German discourse.

Das Interview mit dem Experten lieferte wichtige Erkenntnisse.

Adjective Combinations: kurzes, langes, interessantes, schwieriges, persönliches.

Ein kurzes Interview am Rande der Konferenz reichte aus.

Er verweigerte jedes Interview zu diesem Thema.

You will encounter das Interview in almost every facet of German media. On the news (die Nachrichten), reporters often say, 'Wir haben dazu ein Interview mit dem Sprecher geführt.' In talk shows, the entire format is essentially a series of interviews. In sports, after a football match, players are routinely pulled aside for a 'Blitzinterview' (a flash interview) on the pitch. These are fast-paced and usually focus on immediate reactions to the game.

Media Contexts: Talkshows, Nachrichtensendungen, Sportübertragungen, Zeitungen, Zeitschriften.

Haben Sie das Interview im Radio heute Morgen gehört?

In the workplace, while 'Vorstellungsgespräch' is the term for hiring, 'Interview' might be used for internal reviews or project debriefs. In academia, students and professors use the term when discussing research methodologies. You'll hear it in university hallways: 'Ich muss noch drei Interviews für meine Bachelorarbeit transkribieren.' (I still have to transcribe three interviews for my bachelor thesis). The word is also common in the entertainment industry, where celebrities give interviews to promote their latest films or albums.

Academic Contexts: Qualitative Forschung, Datenerhebung, Feldforschung, Soziologie.

Das Interview ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der qualitativen Analyse.

Furthermore, in the world of literature and arts, 'das Interview' can be a genre in itself. Many famous authors have books that are essentially long-form interviews. In German culture, there is a high value placed on 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity) and 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness) in interviews, especially in political journalism. You will often hear interviewers being quite direct and persistent with their questions, which is a hallmark of German journalistic style.

Das Interview wurde live auf YouTube gestreamt.

Workplace Contexts: Mitarbeitergespräch, Feedbackrunde, Projektanalyse.

Wir führen Interviews mit allen Teammitgliedern durch.

Das Interview dauerte fast zwei Stunden.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using the wrong gender. Since 'Interview' is an English loanword, some might assume it's masculine (der Interview) or feminine (die Interview), but it is strictly das Interview. Another common error is the plural form. While English uses 'interviews', German also uses 'Interviews', but learners sometimes try to apply German plural rules and say 'Interviewe' or 'Interviewen', both of which are incorrect.

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: der Interview, die Interview. Correct: das Interview.

Ich habe das Interview (nicht: den Interview) gelesen.

The biggest semantic mistake is using 'Interview' when you mean 'Vorstellungsgespräch'. If you have a meeting to get a job, you should almost always use 'Vorstellungsgespräch'. Using 'Interview' in this context sounds like a literal translation from English and can come across as slightly unprofessional or non-native. 'Interview' is reserved for media, research, or formal questioning. Another trap is the verb choice: avoid saying 'ein Interview machen'. Instead, use 'ein Interview führen' or 'ein Interview geben'.

False Friend Warning: 'Interview' is often for media/research; 'Vorstellungsgespräch' is for jobs.

Morgen habe ich ein Vorstellungsgespräch (nicht: Interview) bei Siemens.

Prepositional errors are also common. Learners might say 'auf dem Interview' when they mean 'in dem Interview'. In German, you are 'in' an interview. Also, be careful with the genitive plural: 'während der Interviews' (during the interviews). The 's' remains at the end of the noun. Lastly, don't confuse the noun 'das Interview' with the verb 'interviewen'. While they are related, the noun requires an article and the verb follows standard conjugation patterns.

Er hat im Interview (nicht: auf dem Interview) viel über seine Pläne erzählt.

Verb Conjugation: The verb is 'interviewen': ich interviewe, du interviewst, er interviewt.

Die Reporterin interviewt den Gewinner.

Das war ein Interview voller Missverständnisse.

While das Interview is very specific, several other German words share its semantic space. The most prominent is das Gespräch (the conversation). A 'Gespräch' is the general term for any exchange of words. An 'Interview' is a specific type of 'Gespräch'. Then there is die Befragung (the questioning/survey). A 'Befragung' is often more formal or clinical, used in police work or large-scale statistical surveys. While an interview is usually one-on-one, a 'Befragung' can involve hundreds of people answering a questionnaire.

Interview vs. Gespräch: Interview: Formal, goal-oriented, usually for media/research. Gespräch: General, can be casual or formal.

Nach dem Interview hatten sie noch ein privates Gespräch.

Another related term is die Unterredung. This is a somewhat old-fashioned or very formal word for a discussion or conference between two people, often regarding a serious matter. In a legal context, you might encounter die Vernehmung (the interrogation). This is what the police do to suspects or witnesses. It is much more coercive than an 'Interview'. Understanding these distinctions is key to choosing the right word for the right level of formality and the right context.

Interview vs. Befragung: Interview: Often qualitative, conversational. Befragung: Often quantitative, systematic.

Die Befragung der Anwohner ergab ein klares Bild.

Finally, we have die Audienz. This is a very specific type of meeting, usually with a high-ranking person like the Pope or a monarch. It's not an 'Interview' because the power dynamic is heavily skewed, and the purpose is usually to pay respects or receive a blessing rather than to gather information for the public. In the modern business world, you might also hear das Briefing, which is a short meeting to give instructions, distinct from the investigative nature of an interview.

Das Interview war informativer als die offizielle Pressemitteilung.

Comparison Table: Interview (Media/Research), Vorstellungsgespräch (Job), Vernehmung (Police), Befragung (Survey).

Ein Interview zu führen erfordert gute Vorbereitung.

Das Interview wurde in mehrere Sprachen übersetzt.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -w (loanwords)

Genitive -s for neuter nouns

Passive voice

Indirect speech (Konjunktiv I)

Examples by Level

Ich habe ein Interview.

I have an interview.

Accusative case: 'ein Interview'.

Das Interview ist kurz.

The interview is short.

Nominative case: 'Das Interview'.

Ist das Interview heute?

Is the interview today?

Question structure.

Ein Interview mit einem Star.

An interview with a star.

Preposition 'mit' + dative.

Hier ist das Interview.

Here is the interview.

Simple declaration.

Ich mag das Interview.

I like the interview.

Verb 'mögen' + accusative.

Das Interview ist im Radio.

The interview is on the radio.

Prepositional phrase 'im Radio'.

Wir machen ein Interview.

We are doing an interview.

Plural subject 'wir'.

Er führt ein Interview mit dem Chef.

He is conducting an interview with the boss.

Verb 'führen' + accusative.

Das Interview war sehr interessant.

The interview was very interesting.

Präteritum of 'sein'.

Ich habe das Interview gestern gehört.

I heard the interview yesterday.

Perfekt tense.

Kannst du das Interview übersetzen?

Can you translate the interview?

Modal verb 'können'.

Das Interview steht in der Zeitung.

The interview is in the newspaper.

Preposition 'in' + dative.

Sie gibt ein Interview für das Fernsehen.

She is giving an interview for television.

Verb 'geben' + accusative.

Wir brauchen Fragen für das Interview.

We need questions for the interview.

Plural noun 'Fragen'.

Das Interview beginnt um neun Uhr.

The interview starts at nine o'clock.

Preposition 'um' for time.

Während des Interviews notierte er alles.

During the interview, he noted everything down.

Genitive case: 'des Interviews'.

Das Interview wurde live übertragen.

The interview was broadcast live.

Passive voice.

Ich bereite mich auf das Interview vor.

I am preparing for the interview.

Reflexive verb 'sich vorbereiten'.

Das Interview lieferte neue Informationen.

The interview provided new information.

Verb 'liefern' in Präteritum.

Er hat das Interview leider abgesagt.

Unfortunately, he cancelled the interview.

Perfekt with 'hat'.

In dem Interview geht es um Klimawandel.

The interview is about climate change.

Phrase 'es geht um' + accusative.

Das Interview ist Teil meiner Forschung.

The interview is part of my research.

Genitive 'meiner Forschung'.

Sie hat viele Interviews geführt.

She has conducted many interviews.

Plural 'Interviews'.

Das Interview war geprägt von kritischen Fragen.

The interview was characterized by critical questions.

Passive construction with 'von'.

Er weigerte sich, ein Interview zu geben.

He refused to give an interview.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Das Interview löste eine große Debatte aus.

The interview triggered a major debate.

Separable verb 'auslösen'.

Die Qualität des Interviews war hervorragend.

The quality of the interview was excellent.

Genitive attribute.

Trotz des Interviews blieben viele Fragen offen.

Despite the interview, many questions remained open.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Das Interview wurde in gekürzter Form veröffentlicht.

The interview was published in an abridged form.

Adjectival declension.

Sie analysierte das Interview Wort für Wort.

She analyzed the interview word for word.

Adverbial phrase.

Das Interview diente als Grundlage für den Artikel.

The interview served as the basis for the article.

Verb 'dienen als' + nominative.

Das Interview offenbarte tiefgreifende Differenzen.

The interview revealed profound differences.

Sophisticated verb 'offenbaren'.

Die Interviewführung war äußerst professionell.

The conduct of the interview was extremely professional.

Compound noun 'Interviewführung'.

Das Interview stieß auf geteiltes Echo.

The interview met with a mixed response.

Idiomatic expression 'auf Echo stoßen'.

Er nutzte das Interview zur Selbstdarstellung.

He used the interview for self-promotion.

Dative purpose 'zur'.

Das Interview wurde unter Ausschluss der Öffentlichkeit geführt.

The interview was conducted behind closed doors.

Fixed legal/formal phrase.

Die Authentizität des Interviews wird angezweifelt.

The authenticity of the interview is being questioned.

Passive voice with 'wird'.

Das Interview war ein Meilenstein des Journalismus.

The interview was a milestone of journalism.

Metaphorical usage.

In dem Interview kam seine Frustration deutlich zum Ausdruck.

In the interview, his frustration was clearly expressed.

Phrase 'zum Ausdruck kommen'.

Das Interview changierte zwischen Ernsthaftigkeit und Ironie.

The interview oscillated between seriousness and irony.

Sophisticated verb 'changieren'.

Die rhetorische Brillanz des Interviews ist unbestritten.

The rhetorical brilliance of the interview is undisputed.

High-level vocabulary.

Das Interview lässt tief in seine Psyche blicken.

The interview provides a deep insight into his psyche.

Idiomatic 'tief blicken lassen'.

Es war ein Interview von historischer Tragweite.

It was an interview of historical significance.

Genitive of quality.

Das Interview wurde zum Politikum.

The interview became a political issue.

Specific noun 'Politikum'.

Die Subtextualität des Interviews erfordert eine genaue Analyse.

The subtextuality of the interview requires careful analysis.

Abstract noun 'Subtextualität'.

Das Interview entlarvte die Widersprüchlichkeit seiner Aussagen.

The interview exposed the inconsistency of his statements.

Strong verb 'entlarven'.

Ein Interview dieses Kalibers ist selten.

An interview of this caliber is rare.

Genitive phrase 'dieses Kalibers'.

Common Collocations

Interview führen

Interview geben

Interview vereinbaren

Interview aufzeichnen

Interview veröffentlichen

exklusives Interview

kurzes Interview

spannendes Interview

Interviewpartner

Interviewfragen

Common Phrases

um ein Interview bitten

ein Interview verweigern

im Interview sagen

ein Interview führen mit

ein Interview geben für

das Interview abbrechen

ein Interview vorbereiten

ein Interview auswerten

ein Interview transkribieren

das Interview des Jahres

Often Confused With

das Interview vs Vorstellungsgespräch

das Interview vs Befragung

das Interview vs Vernehmung

Idioms & Expressions

"jemanden ins Kreuzverhör nehmen (related)"

"Rede und Antwort stehen"

"aus dem Nähkästchen plaudern"

"kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen"

"jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen"

"die Hosen runterlassen"

"Farbe bekennen"

"Klartext reden"

"um den heißen Brei herumreden"

"den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen"

Easily Confused

das Interview vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

research

Use 'Experteninterview' or 'Befragung'.

job interview

Use 'Vorstellungsgespräch'.

Common Mistakes

Using 'der Interview' instead of 'das Interview'.
Saying 'Interview machen' instead of 'führen'.
Using 'Interview' for a job application.
Forgetting the 's' in the plural.
Mispronouncing the 'v' as a 'w'.

Tips

Gender

Always remember it is 'das'. Neuter loanwords are common.

Job Interviews

Use 'Vorstellungsgespräch' for jobs to sound like a native.

Verbs

Use 'führen' for a professional tone.

Sommerinterview

Watch these on ARD/ZDF to improve your political German.

Pronunciation

Practice the 'v' sound; it's not a 'w' sound in German.

Compounds

Combine 'Interview' with other nouns easily.

Podcasts

Many German podcasts are just long interviews.

Methods

Learn 'leitfadengestützt' if you study in Germany.

Roles

Distinguish between Interviewer and Interviewte.

Plural

The 's' plural is easy for English speakers.

Memorize It

Word Origin

English 'interview'

Cultural Context

A series of political interviews during the summer.

A common practice where interviewees check their quotes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Hast du das neueste Interview mit dem Kanzler gelesen?"

"Welches Interview hat dich am meisten beeindruckt?"

"Würdest du gerne mal ein Interview geben?"

"Was sind gute Fragen für ein Interview?"

"Wie bereitet man sich auf ein Interview vor?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über ein Interview, das du gerne führen würdest.

Fasse ein interessantes Interview zusammen, das du gehört hast.

Stell dir vor, du wirst interviewt. Was würdest du sagen?

Warum sind Interviews wichtig für die Demokratie?

Beschreibe den Unterschied zwischen einem Interview und einem Gespräch.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Nein, es ist neutrum: das Interview.

Der Plural ist 'die Interviews'.

Besser ist 'ein Interview führen'.

Das ist ein Interview für einen Job.

Nur scherzhaft, sonst ist es 'Gespräch'.

Ähnlich wie im Englischen, aber mit deutschem Akzent.

Ja, das Verb ist 'interviewen'.

Ein sehr kurzes Interview, oft im Sport.

Es ist ein Lehnwort aus dem Englischen.

Zum Beispiel: 'während des Interviews'.